Why Thunderbolts: Doomstrike Is an Essential Part of Marvel's One World Under Doom Crossover

2025 dawns on a Marvel Universe plunged into "Doom." February brings the One World Under Doom crossover, with Doctor Doom, the new Sorcerer Supreme, claiming global dominion. This sprawling event unfolds in Ryan North and R.B. Silva's One World Under Doom miniseries and numerous tie-ins, prominently Thunderbolts: Doomstrike, by Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Tommaso Bianchi.

IGN exclusively previews Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 (April release), teasing a thrilling clash: "Bucky, Songbird, Sharon Carter, and the Midnight Angels target Doom's vibranium supply, only to face…the Thunderbolts! Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts!" The slideshow gallery below offers a sneak peek.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #3 Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Is Bucky Barnes Responsible for Emperor Doom?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike builds upon Kelly and Lanzing's 2023 Thunderbolts relaunch. Bucky Barnes' team, tasked with neutralizing major villains, inadvertently paved the path for Doom's ascension.

Lanzing explains, "Bucky neutralized the Red Skull, Kingpin's finances, and the US Government's deterrence. This inadvertently empowered Victor Von Doom, a pawn used to eliminate the Red Skull. No one weaponizes Doom without consequences."

Kelly reveals Worldstrike, their initial Thunderbolts arc, was designed to lead to a Doom-centric story. The One World Under Doom crossover, spearheaded by Ryan North, provided the perfect backdrop.

Kelly states, "Discovering Bucky's manipulation of Doom as a catalyst for his rise to power transformed the mission into a referendum on Bucky's choices. Doomstrike is Bucky's chance at redemption, but it will push him to his limits."

Bucky's guilt, a recurring theme since his Winter Soldier days, takes center stage. Kelly notes, "Bucky's guilt, from his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions, weighs heavily. Just as he finds respite, he's burdened with Doom's rise. Doom will exploit this guilt."

Lanzing adds context on the Thunderbolts' motivations: Songbird acts out of loyalty and heroism, grappling with the loss of Abner Jenkins; Black Widow prioritizes Bucky's safety; Sharon Carter fights fascism; U.S. Agent is disillusioned; and Ghost Rider '44, an old friend, re-enters the fray. Further team members remain a surprise.

Regarding Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, Kelly teases, "Val's role is complex; readers must discover it in issue #1."

Thunderbolts vs. Thunderbolts

Doomstrike features the return of the original 1997 Thunderbolts, most now allied with Doom. The cover of issue #3 depicts the inevitable conflict.

Kelly highlights, "Reuniting the original Thunderbolts with Bucky's team is thrilling. From Songbird and Abner's relationship to Citizen V's return, we explore redemption's possibility for villains."

Lanzing adds, "Doom, not Bucky, controls the Thunderbolts. They are under his thumb as 'Fulgar Victoris.' Their organization, and Bucky as a target, remains a mystery."

Songbird, caught between loyalties, is pivotal. Kelly describes her return, "Melissa is ready to aid Bucky, but her history with the Thunderbolts, now serving Doom, will deeply affect her."

This arc culminates Kelly and Lanzing's years-long Bucky Barnes storyline, spanning Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America: Cold War, and now Doomstrike.

Lanzing reveals, "This is our final Bucky Barnes tale for now. The 'Revolution Saga,' beginning in Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier, continues through Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America: Cold War, and Thunderbolts: Worldstrike. Bucky uncovered his origins, clashed with his friend, found love, and embraced a new identity. This is the grand finale."

The creators aim to engage MCU viewers, highlighting familiar aspects of Bucky and Natasha's relationship, Valentina's machinations, and Doom's imminent MCU debut.

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025. For more on Marvel's 2025 plans, see our previews and anticipated comics.